Inappropriate prescribing of medicines, where the risks are greater than the potential benefits, is receiving growing attention from researchers and policymakers – for two main reasons. One is possible adverse drug effects among people receiving the medicines, many of them older people: these are linked with higher mortality, morbidity and healthcare utilisation. Another reason is the growing cost of healthcare.

This research project, An evaluation of inappropriate prescribing in long stay elderly facilities in the greater Cork and Northern Ireland regions using the STOPP and Beers criteria, compares the levels of inappropriate prescribing across the island of Ireland.

Research brief

Full report